COUNTRIES RELAX THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINESE TOURISTS

Chinese outbound tourism is a big player in the worldwide tourism industry. According to reports, the outbound travel market of China is expected to exceed $163 billion by 2024.

Many countries ease the entry requirements for Chinese tourists in order to attract them in greater numbers.

The growth is exponential. In 2001 Chinese people made 10.5 million overseas trips, in 2017 it was 130 million trips. This is an increase of 1.238%. Together with that came an increase in spending. Chinese tourists have registered a rise from $10 billion expenditure in 2000 to $115 billion in 2017.

Easing of Entry Requirements

Many countries around the world are introducing measures to make it easier for Chinese residents to arrive in their country.

For example, just this month the South African government detailed a relaxation of visa regulations, which includes Chinese and Indian nationals. The goal is to boost the economy and tourism.

The Interior Minister Malusi Gigaba announced that as of October there will be a simplification of visa applications for countries like China and India.

“In order to facilitate the travelling of people, who come to South Africa for leisure reasons, business meetings or studying, we have implemented multiple entry visas for frequent, trusted travelers,” he said.

“These travelers will be eligible for a multiple entry visa valid for up to ten years and deliverable within five days, which should attract a significant number of tourists, businessmen and families,” Gigaba added.

Multi-destination Visa in South America

Meanwhile, in South America, the Secretary of Tourism of Argentina, Gustavo Santos, expressed his support of a free movement project prepared by Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. This would not only facilitate the entry of Chinese tourists in this market, but also promote a multi-destination offer of the three countries.

“We want to contribute to the Asian market with a kind of “Schengen” system led by Argentina to develop travel, commercial connectivity, and to unite South America,” he said.

The minister said that it is necessary to wait for the outcome of the presidential elections in Brazil in October. After this, the South American giant could join Argentina and Chile to create the free movement region for Chinese visitors. In August both countries signed an agreement on the reciprocal recognition of visas issued by their governments to the citizens of China.